3 minutes with Ian

Ian is a member of our CLA Management Committee and a long-standing constituent.

Why did you first join CLA?
I joined CLA because I thought it would be interesting and a good experience.

What do you enjoy about CLA?
The AGMs (Annual General Meetings), learning new things, being on the CLA Committee. I like the speaking opportunities I’ve had e.g. at QUT uni and talking about the bullying in schools. Also being part of the scams group – I’m really good at dealing with door knockers.

What do you like about being a member of the CLA committee?
I like learning what is involved in committee meetings and it is good to hear others’ views…

How has being at CLA changed your life?
I got employment at the café. Before this I worked as a storeperson in Brendale, but then the company collapsed and I was out of work.

In CLA I got to know different things that went on.

I also got new housing – I used to live in Redcliffe at a Department of Housing unit. Now I live in Clayfield in an IYHG ( Independent Youth Housing Group – CLA affiliate) apartment. CLA introduced me to that. It is close to friends, and it’s closer to work which is good. Also it is better because it is easier to pay rent automatically – I used to have to go into the bank to pay rent.

I have also made good friends at CLA like Bernie and Craig.

CLA also helped me get a car. I had a lot of savings and then I got a loan through CLA.

CLA has really helped me with my health issues this year. It has been good having people around me with this. My worker, Sam has really helped me with this and made sure there were appointments made for me.